Flooding in Seawood Harbor emerged as a point of contention, with residents like Gary Penzel presenting evidence of severe flooding on Backtack Road. Pictures of a damaged bulkhead and a private beach contributing to the flooding were shown, sparking a dialogue on the urgency of the situation. Residents, including Anna Mayer, voiced their personal struggles with the flooding, losing days and weeks as a result. In light of these testimonies, the council pledged to delve into the issues presented, promising to provide insight on the priority list for road remediation and the condition of the police vehicle mentioned in the concerns raised.

Another resident, Gary Nixon, highlighted questionable construction practices at a former dance studio on Manalapan Road. He criticized the lack of permission for sidewalk closure and pointed out safety hazards, including a hole in the sidewalk. This prompted discussions on the need for clearer regulations and oversight on construction within the township.

Environmental issues also took center stage. The council introduced an ordinance on its first reading to establish requirements and fees for lead paint inspections for rental properties, aligning with state law mandates. Concerns about air pollution from the Garden State Parkway and the potential correlation between environmental factors and autism were also brought up by the public. Residents inquired about past studies on autism clusters in the area and the impact of the Superfund site in Toms River.

The council also tackled infrastructure and energy concerns. They discussed the authorization of bids for taxi cab licenses. The sale of bonds was debated, with questions regarding the timeline and process for their issuance. Additionally, the council addressed the approval of computer and manual bills. During the public comment period, questions were raised about the township’s use of diesel fuel and the possibility of transitioning to biofuel or electric vehicles. The economic impact of new taxi cab business licenses and the use of block and lot numbers in public documents also came under scrutiny.

Residents also expressed the need for proactive town planning, with one resident highlighting the absence of a long-term plan, “I don’t believe that you have any Five-Year Plan 10year plan.” The aftermath of superstorm Sandy on individuals with disabilities was discussed, with a call for town hall meetings to better understand and address the needs of the affected residents.

The council acknowledged the issues brought forward and expressed gratitude to the community members for their participation. Council members shared updates on various achievements and initiatives, including the girls’ bowling team’s state championship and the township’s acquisition of solar renewable energy credits. A warning about scams from the Brick Township Police Department was relayed, advising residents on precautionary measures. The council concluded the meeting by announcing upcoming events, such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies and a senior St. Patrick’s Day party, and scheduled the next meeting for March 12th at 7 PM.